The Kano State Censorship Board has declared a ban on the display of vulgar, offensive, or indecent content on tricycles—popularly known as Adaidaita Sahu—operating across the state.
This decision follows a spike in public complaints about inappropriate images and messages being displayed on the rear panels of many tricycles within the metropolis.
In a statement issued by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, on behalf of Executive Secretary Alhaji Abba El Mustapha, the agency stated that this move is in line with its legal mandate to uphold public morality and enforce censorship regulations.
El Mustapha emphasized that the board would not hesitate to take strict punitive actions against violators, regardless of their social or business status.
To create awareness, officials of the board launched a public sensitisation campaign on major roads including Maiduguri Road, Zaria Road, and Sani Marshall Road.
The campaign targeted both riders and commuters, stressing the cultural and moral damage caused by the spread of vulgar messages, which range from sexually suggestive phrases to nonsensical and offensive slogans.
In a prior exercise held in February 2025, over 20 tricycles were apprehended for displaying obscene material. While the owners were eventually released after pledging compliance, the board warned that repeat offenders may face harsher consequences, including seizure of their vehicles and legal prosecution.
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The executive secretary reminded the public that all forms of literary, artistic, or entertainment content intended for public consumption must first be submitted to the board for vetting and approval. This includes posters, slogans, and music used in commercial vehicles and public gatherings.
The regulation has sparked mixed reactions among residents. While some have welcomed the move as a step toward restoring societal values, others believe it could be misused to stifle freedom of expression.
Supporters of the initiative say the proliferation of suggestive and crude messages on public transport contradicts Kano’s predominantly conservative values and poses a risk to children and adolescents. Critics, however, argue for more clarity on what constitutes “vulgarity” and caution against overreach.
Nonetheless, the board insists that the regulation is purely a moral safeguard and aims to make public spaces more conducive to decency and respect for cultural norms.
This renewed crackdown forms part of the board’s broader plan to regulate content and entertainment in Kano State, which includes the ongoing closure of unlicensed cinemas and screening of film and music production.
By drawing a clear line on acceptable content, the Kano State Censorship Board hopes to foster a more respectful and culturally aligned media environment.
Daily News
